Orihara Shoten

The buzz: Ekkamai’s new sake-specializing bar is a collaboration between Japanese sake exporters Orihara and local booze distributors BB&B, so you can rest assured this is the good stuff.

The decor: With its wall-to-wall sake selection, cozy blond wood decor and decorative barrels, Orihara Shoten looks like something straight out of Japan. Shattering this illusion somewhat are the glass windows that look out onto next door’s Ekkamai Beer House. A big square-shape bar sits in the center of the room, while a wall of fridges offers a mouthwatering array of bottles.

The drinks: The 100-plus-bottle selection of both chilled and hot sake starts from as little as B180 per glass. Two solid entry points include the Yuki no Bosha Yamahai Junmai (B240/90ml), known for its smoky taste similar to whiskey, and the Kozaemon Junmai Ginjo (B280/90ml), which has a slight sweetness. The bar also serves a range of liqueurs in interesting flavors—try the peach flavor, Yoshino Monogatari Momo (B270/90ml), with soda water for balance. Even more unique is the Returner Earl Grey Tea Liqueur (B290/90ml) which, served with milk, tastes just like an afternoon cup of tea.

The food: Bar snacks like Japanese-style potato salad (B140) and salmon jerky (B240) are on offer, or you can seek more sustenance at the adjoining Tori Tama, a Tokyo-hailing yakitori restaurant run by the same people.

The music: Easy listening jazz, with the odd Latin and Japanese songs. All very chill and unobtrusive.

The crowd: Japanese salarymen in full suit and tie with a smattering of in-the-know locals and foreigners.

Why you should care: Quality sake served by people genuinely passionate about sake—this is not just another Japanese bar in town. By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj